For the last 27 years, Linda Kokenge has lived in Tea, raising her family.
“One of my talents and passions is creating things from the ground up,” said Kokenge. “The community deserves to have something unique and amazing in our town, so I am giving that to them.”
In September of 2021, ZOOKS Coffee Bar opened its doors in the small town.
At the counter, customers order items like traditional espresso drinks, Buzzed Lotus Energy Drinks, smoothies, hot or iced drinks, and blenders.
When visiting the community-driven, woman-owned business, try sweet or savory breakfast options like an Asiago Bagel Sandwich or Sweet Loaf Bread. For lunch, don’t miss the Pepper Jack Mac ‘N’ Cheese Poppers.
Fact
ZOOKS is a member of the Sioux Metro Growth Alliance.
A unique option at ZOOKS is Split Cups. For people who can’t decide between two different drinks, get them both in one Split Cup.
Get a peek into how the owner behind the company spends her days outside of the shop.
FILM FANATIC
Movies are my thing—especially action films. I love sitting in a dark theater and getting lost in the entertainment of it all. This is one of the things I missed most during the COVID pandemic.
SCENIC DRIVES
One of my favorite places to drive through is the Black Hills during the fall. It is such an amazing drive, it takes your breath away.
ZOOK’d
[zukd] Verb
When someone has visited ZOOKS and is energized, caffeine-crazed, and excited.
STROLLING IN SNOW
Every winter on the first “quiet” snowfall, I go for a walk with my kids at night. It is so quiet with no wind, and you can actually hear the snow fall. We have such great memories from those walks.
WHERE TO NEXT?
I love exploring new shops and restaurants with my sister, Susan. We usually end up in fits of giggles, but it’s so much fun. One of our favorite shops to visit is The Spice & Tea Exchange in downtown Sioux Falls. It smells amazing in there!
SUMMER NIGHTS
Every year during Teapot Days, on Saturday night, Tea puts on an incredible fireworks show. I love sitting there in my big chair with my friend Tammy and watching the gorgeous colors with “oohs” and “ahs.”
5 Random Facts
1. I am so in love with my new and first grandbaby, Brecken.
2. Once I decide to do something, I am all in, and I give 110%.
3. I love to read. And I am a NOOK person, not a Kindle person. (It’s a thing.)
4. I never drank coffee until I opened up my coffee bar.
5. For whatever reason, I can’t say the word “mural.”
FAMILY TIME
One of my favorite places to relax is on my back patio with the dogs running around the yard, reading my book, listening to music, and spending time with my family.
FURRY FRIENDS
I’m an animal lover here. I follow and volunteer when I can with Almost Home Canine Rescue. They and the other rescue organizations are a blessing with the work they do. ZOOKS is dog friendly, and we love handing out “pup cups” to our furry customers.
Stay up to Date
Facebook: /ZOOKSCOFFEEBAR
Instagram: @ZOOKSCOFFEEBAR
Twitter: @ZOOKSCOFFEEBAR
COUNTRY CHORDS
I love all music, but country music is my go-to. Attending concerts at the Denny Sanford PREMIER Center or even the South Dakota State Fair is so much fun. The energy is contagious.
ON THE PATIO
Lately I don’t have much time, but hanging out with my friends is important to me. One of our favorite places is the Barrel House in Sioux Falls. We love sitting out on the back patio bar. On a beautiful day, it’s the best place to be.
